All Change At Molineux

It's been a hectic week at Molineux since a new manager was unveiled to the waiting public.

Upon Glenn Hoddle's departure, and with senior pro's leaving in waves, the apathy that had descended on many Wolves fans shoulders during Glenn Hoddles reign turned into an almost forlorn resignation that this season, like many before, would prove to test even the most hardcore masochists amongst their number.

Enter Merlin the Magician. Or not, as Mick McCarthy claimed at the press conference to announce his appointment.

Magician he may not be, but that hasnt stopped Mick from performing what some may say is a minor miracle in lifting the gloom that had started to gather around this once proud club.

Backroom changes, triallists brought in, new signings made, a captain 'snubbed' and a change on the Board have all happened at lightening pace, and the effect on Wolves followers has been dramatic.

The appointment of Mick's own backroom staff has been seen as a big positive.

Many unhappy at the lack of success at the cost of over £30 million have pointed the finger at what both the position of assistant coach and heahd scout as part of the cause, and the appointment of Mick McCarthy's own head scout and a new assistant manager have been applauded across the whole spectrum of fans.

On the playing side, Gary Breen, Jay Bothroyd, and Jamie Clapham have earned permanent deals, Gee Finkler could well turn his loan into a bargain basement buy, and Karl Henry could also make the move to Molineux later this week.

There is also the matter of the rumoured aqcuisition of Lee Carsley from Everton supposedly still in the pipeline.

So much for transfer market inactivity. Mick is clearly a man of action more than words.

Even the fact Paul Ince left the club in a less than satisfactory manner hasn't dampened the spirits of those amazed at the rapidity of change engulfing Molineux.

Another casualty of the new era have been Chairman Rick Hayward and Director Paul Manduca who both resigned over the weekend, being indirectly replaced by 2 local businessman, Kevin Threlfall and John Gough, both lifelong Wolves fans.

Possibly the news that made Wolves fans smile the most though, was the announcement of Steve Bully appointment as Honourary Vice President.

It isn't stretching things too far to say that without his contribution, there may not even be a club to get frustrated with, let alone support.

Vital Wolves hopes that Stan Cullis is smiling down on how, and when, the club now chooses to bestow honours upon its legends.

All in all, Mick appears to have worked a seven day miracle, turning frowns into smiles, and in opposition camps sneers to looks of genuine concern that after so long, finally, Wolves may have found the man who can drive them on to former glories.